|
Janakpur is the capital of the ancient state of Mithila and the
Janaki Temple, located in the center of the city, is well known
in the Hindu Kingdom (Nepal). Sita (Janaki) the wife of the
legendary hero Ram was born in Janakpur. Throughout the year,
many pilgrims come to pay their respects to Ram and Sita who are
the main religious attractions in Janakpur. The city is thronged
by worshippers and visitors, especially during the festival of
Bibah Panchami. This annual festival is celebrated on the
occasion of Ram and Sita's marriage and their wedding ceremony
is enacted throughout the week. During this period, the city is
enlivened by the wedding festivities.
Ram and
Sita are the two central characters of the great Hindu epic
Ramayan. In the story, Ram strings a bow that originally
belonged to Lord Shiva the destroyer and in the process, the bow
breaks into three pieces. One piece flies up to heaven another
falls down into the depths of the underworld, presently there
is a huge pond called Dhanush Sagar above the spot. The third
piece flies to present day Dhanushadham, about 40 kilometers
from Janakpur. There, visitors will see huge rocks shaped liked
a bow. Thus, after Ram's successful attempt to string the bow,
Janaki's father, King Janak gives his daughter's hand in
marriage to the brave prince of Ayodhya. (Do Visit Janakpur Online for
More information about Janakpur.)
|